Job opportunity - Occupational Health and Safety Representative, Hospital Employees' Union

Employment opportunity:

Occupational Health and Safety Representative

Are you an experienced Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) professional interested in working for a respected health care union with a large and diverse membership, and a broad social justice mandate? Do you have a strong commitment to progressive social change and a focus on education, injury prevention, and the promotion of safe and healthy workplaces? If so, we want to hear from you.

The Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) is looking for a skilled individual to fill the position of Occupational Health and SafetyRepresentative at its provincial office in Burnaby, British Columbia. This is a permanent, full-time position.

As an integral member of the OH&S team, you will provide advice and support to HEU local unions, executive members, OH&S stewards and other HEU staff on health and safety issues affecting health care workers.

Reporting to the Director of OH&S, Representatives provide technical expertise, education and training to members and staff and advocates to improve health and safety standards and enforcement of regulations to protect the health of HEU members.

Duties performed by an OH&S Representative II are specific in scope, and we are currently seeking individuals with experience in the areas of violence prevention and/or psychological health and safety. However, staff at the Representative II level are expected to be qualified to provide a wide-range of educational and labour relations services, related to OH&S, and to participate in promoting and implementing all policies and programs of the Union.

Qualifications and Experience

• Specific and detailed knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety issues and legislation and any other legislation, regulations, best practices and policies that affect workers health and safety.
• Ability to identify, analyze and resolve health and safety concerns, conduct health and safety research, and to communicate complex and technical information using plain language.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and provide leadership representing the union in multi-union committees, and join union-employer committees.
• Effective and respectful communication skills (written and oral and listening) and experience in public speaking, presentations, and workshop facilitation.
• Experience attending joint multi union/management meetings and effectively representing the union’s perspective on OH&S matters
• Specific experience in grievance, arbitration and appeals on health and safety issues.
• Appropriate interpersonal skills and ability to work with other people and organizations in conflict situations. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to solve problems and demonstrate leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Strong commitment to labour principles and the goals of HEU.
• Active involvement in the labour movement, knowledge of HEU and HEU constitution and by-laws.
• Ability to work under pressure in a high volume of work environment and to manage competing priorities and demands.

This is a unionized position and terms and conditions of employment are set out in a collective agreement. The normal work week is 8:30 – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday on a nine-day fortnight, with a competitive salary, generous leave provisions, and a defined benefit pension plan. Representatives may be required to work evenings and weekends and must have the ability to travel for extended periods. A valid driver’s license and access to use of a vehicle are requirements for the role.

About HEU

HEU is the oldest and largest health care union in British Columbia, with a 75-year history of advocacy for universal public health care and a strong commitment to social justice. We represent more than 50,000 members employed by public, non-profit and private sector employers. Our members work in all areas of health care in all areas of the province – acute care hospitals, residential care facilities, community group homes, outpatient clinics and medical labs, community social services, and First Nations health agencies – and provide both direct care and support services. 
HEU is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to being a union and a workplace that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative of the members and communities we serve.

Interested? Please send a resume and cover letter to us by May 31, 2019, explaining how you meet the requirements of the role. This position will remain open until filled.

Email to: jobapplication@heu.org  (subject line: OH & S Representative, Your Name)

Please note that we will only be responding to applicants who are selected for an interview.

OH&S Representative Job Posting

Hospital Employees’ Union

5000 North Fraser Way

Burnaby, B.C. V5J 5M3

Deadline: May 31, 2019